House ag panel OKs labeling GMO foods
Advocates of all-natural food in Hawaii scored a partial victory when the House Committee on Agriculture passed a measure to require labeling on genetically modified food.
The committee approved the bill Thursday but amended it so it only applies to produce imported from outside Hawaii.
Numerous proponents of the bill testified before the House committee this week.
They say they deserve to know whether the food they are buying has been genetically modified.
Several opponents of the bill said they are worried about how the measure could affect local farmers. They also argue that requiring labels would increase food costs.
House Agriculture Chairwoman Jessica Wooley says because the bill only affects produce brought in from outside Hawaii, it benefits local farms and won’t cause food prices to rise.
Otani promoted at corrections department
Max Otani has been appointed the new deputy director of corrections.
Since 2011, Otani has served as the division administrator at the Department of Public Safety’s Intake Service Center. Previously, he served in a variety of roles for the Hawaii Paroling Authority, including field service branch administrator from 2010 to 2011, paroles and pardons administrator from 2007 to 2010, field service branch administrator from 2005 to 2007, Oahu intake service center from 2003 to 2005 and field service branch administrator from 1997 to 2003. He also worked as a parole supervisor and parole officer for the authority and as a probation officer for the Hawaii State Judiciary.
Otani earned a master’s degree in social work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Bachelor of Arts at UH-Hilo.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Renamed sites honor Inouye
The state House on Thursday passed two concurrent resolutions to rename the Kilauea Point Lighthouse on Kauai the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse and to designate Hawaii island’s Saddle Road as the Daniel K. Inouye Legacy Highway.
Kauai Reps. Derek Kawakami and James Tokioka introduced the resolution to rename the lighthouse. "The Kilauea Point Lighthouse is similar to our beloved senator," said Kawakami (D, Hanalei-Princeville-Kapaa). "Both provided guidance and protection. Both served to protect the weak from the mighty. Both provide beacons of hope and comfort."
State Reps. Mark Nakashima and Cindy Evans introduced the resolution to rename the highway.
